New grower with a thousand questions... I've read a lot on this forum about new growers ruining their plants with over fertilizing, wrong fertilizers.. etc. Is there a "fool-proof" method, like a fertilizer spike or something so I can adequately fertilize and also avoid ruining my first attempt at growing?
Fertilizer Spikes
- Thread starter Beateo
- Start date
Fertilizer spikes, like most pre-mixed soil's, release nutrients in a very non-uniform and inconsistent way.
The best system is to always err on the side of Not enough vs Too much.
Start 2-3 week old plants on 1/4 strength, and eventually add more strength to the nutrient mix as she grows.
If you run an entire grow and always UNDER fed, you will have some smoke and a good learning experience. May loose a few leaves along the way, and may not reach complete potential, but smokeable nugs will be had.
If you run an entire grow at MAX feed, or worse, over feed, she can die in a week. No nugs. No happiness.
Not enough anything can be fixed.
Too much anything can kill her.
Here's a link with tons of reading material for ya to check out--- HOW TO GROW MJ
The best system is to always err on the side of Not enough vs Too much.
Start 2-3 week old plants on 1/4 strength, and eventually add more strength to the nutrient mix as she grows.
If you run an entire grow and always UNDER fed, you will have some smoke and a good learning experience. May loose a few leaves along the way, and may not reach complete potential, but smokeable nugs will be had.
If you run an entire grow at MAX feed, or worse, over feed, she can die in a week. No nugs. No happiness.
Not enough anything can be fixed.
Too much anything can kill her.
Here's a link with tons of reading material for ya to check out--- HOW TO GROW MJ
It's easy. DO NOT use anything that says time release formula. This makes it hard to know what nutes your plant has and what it needs. Your best bet is to do it a 1/4 strength at first, then slowly slide up as you see it needs it. It's just like baking. You can always add more, but too much can ruin the whole thing.
I agree with the above. I NEVER suggest someone use time release nutes of any sort.
I recommend a 2 part or 3 part nutrient system (synthetic, or organic, that's up to the grower's preference) This will allow you to mix the nutes yourself, you know exactly what goes into the plant, you can also vary the quantity of each nutrient part to give you the proper strength of your NPK, and micronutrients to meet the demands of the plant in its current stage of growth.
I recommend a 2 part or 3 part nutrient system (synthetic, or organic, that's up to the grower's preference) This will allow you to mix the nutes yourself, you know exactly what goes into the plant, you can also vary the quantity of each nutrient part to give you the proper strength of your NPK, and micronutrients to meet the demands of the plant in its current stage of growth.
I've been debating on using a 8-8-8 mini plant food spike. Also my soil ph is very low. I've read that gardening lime will raise that but to start with small amounts of course. I am always worried I'm doing something wrong. Always second guessing myself. My girls are looking beautiful but i want them to be Drop Dead Gorgeous. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Pro smoker, rookie grower.
Sueet
Well-Known Member
This is an old thread, these folks have probably moved on. It would be better if you made your own thread and drop some pics and info about your grow (media, nutes, size of pot, frequency of water/feed, what kind of light, any other pertinent info you have.) Personally I wouldn't fiddle with the soil pH if the plant is happy, but you may get different advice from others.
If you are growing in natural or mineral soil containing compost or worm castings or organic sources of nutrients you have to ask yourself if you want to use a commercially manufactured "plant food spike".
Another option is to poke a hole or two in the soil and fill it with a mix of organic nutrient sources.Or instead of poking a hole some growers will layer the organic sources.
Lime can take awhile to break down and raise the pH. That can make it hard to figure out just how much to add without using too much.
Like @Sueet seems to be saying, if the plant is looking good then the soil is not broke. No need to mess with it at this time.
Another option is to poke a hole or two in the soil and fill it with a mix of organic nutrient sources.Or instead of poking a hole some growers will layer the organic sources.
How did you check the pH?
Lime can take awhile to break down and raise the pH. That can make it hard to figure out just how much to add without using too much.
Like @Sueet seems to be saying, if the plant is looking good then the soil is not broke. No need to mess with it at this time.
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